Clearwater Sister Cities

08/18/2026

It's time to start preparing for exchange students from Nagano! Interested in learning about Japan and making friends? Hosting a student from Japan is a great way to start building international friendships.

Exchange Student Host Families Needed: Clearwater and Nagano, Japan, have been sister cities for more than 65 years, with student exchanges taking place since 1990. From Oct. 21 to 30, a group of high school students from Nagano will visit Clearwater, and we're looking for host families to welcome them. The city also hosts a middle-school group every March. If you're interested in hosting a family or if you'd like to learn more about the program, visit MyClearwater.com/SisterCities

08/12/2026

Wishing all our local students a great first week back at school! 🍎✏️📒

08/07/2026

We're delighted and honored to be an awardee for the inaugural Art Everywhere initiative with Creative Pinellas and Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. We'll be partnering with the City of Clearwater and other local cultural organizations for a festival in early December!

08/06/2026

Last night our 2026 Young Ambassadors shared stories and insights from their June exchange trip to Nagano. It was inspiring to hear all they learned, experienced, and the lessons they brought home to share with their friends and family.

Thank you to everyone who attended to support the Young Ambassadors!

07/07/2026

Today is Tanabata! See how this ancient summer festival is celebrated throughout Japan 🎋✨️

07/07/2026

The exchange portion of the High School Student Ambassadors' journey in Nagano has come to a close, but the adventure isn't over yet! The group is spending a few more days exploring the culture, history, and traditions of Tokyo. So far, they've visited Sensō-ji in Asakusa, explored the famous Toyosu Market, and taken in breathtaking views from Tokyo Skytree—just to name a few of the highlights before they head home.

07/04/2026

In recognition of the semiquincentennial, Japan gifted 250 cherry blossom trees to the USA. What a beautiful symbol of our international friendship 🇺🇸🌸🇯🇵

07/04/2026

Happy 250 years, America!
🇺🇸 ❤️🤍💙 🦅

We are wishing everyone at home and abroad a very happy and safe 4th of July!

06/30/2026

The Clearwater high school Ambassadors had a wonderful and full Nagano City Day! They met with Mayor Kenji Ogiwara and other city officials, experienced traditional arts from local artists and experts, and visited Zenkoji Temple in yukata.

06/29/2026

The high school students had a full weekend exploring local Nagano sites with their homestay families! Some visited the mountain shrine Togakushi, while others visited the samurai-era Matsumoto castle.